What is Keratoconus and How is it Treated?

You may not have heard of it, but Keratoconus is a progressive eye disease that affects the cornea, causing it to thin and bulge into a cone-like shape. Because the eye shape has changed, vision may be distorted.

Keratoconus Symptoms & Treatments

What happens—As the eye becomes more cone-like, your vision will begin to change. Keratoconus can cause progressive nearsightedness and astigmatism, and this condition may also cause light sensitivity.

Causes of Keratoconus—An imbalance of enzymes in the cornea may cause Keratoconus, especially if this imbalance makes the cornea more susceptible to oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Some people may be genetically predisposed to developing Keratoconus.

Symptoms—Most patients with Keratoconus have changes in their prescriptions every time they come in for an appointment with their optometrist.

Treatments—Sometimes treatment can be as simple as eyeglasses or soft contact lenses. However, as the eye continues to change in shape, custom contacts or other forms of treatment may be required. For example, corneal crosslinking can help to strengthen the tissue in the cornea to stop the bulging of the surface of the eye.

Multiple contact lenses—Other treatments include the “piggybacking” of contact lenses. The first layer of the contact lens is typically a soft one, made of silicone hydrogel, and the outer layer is a gas permeable contact lens, allowing the lens to let in oxygen to the eye to make sure that it breathes.

Taking care of your eyes is an important step in treating Keratoconus. Make sure visitValley Eyecare for an appointment to check your eyes! To learn more about Keratoconus or other eye diseases, call (602) 955-2700, or visit our website to book an appointment with an optometrist today!